GMO Research
Databases are generally the best place to find scientific studies (actual reports from scientists who studied the safety of GM foods and related issues like cost). Some databases you can use:
E-Library (ask an IHS librarian for the password)
SIRS (ask an IHS librarian for the password)
Opposing Viewpoints (use your Alameda Co. public library card)
EBSCO (use your Alameda Co. public library card)
Scientific American, "Truth about Genetically Modified Food" (2013)--an attempt to explain both sides: www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/
Federal GMO labeling bill passed 2016, SB 764, text: www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mandatory%20Labeling%20Bill.pdf
NPR, same bill (2016): www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/07/14/486060866/congress-just-passed-a-gmo-labeling-bill-nobodys-super-happy-about-it
From the magazine Science, same bill (2016): www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/07/us-senate-passes-gm-food-labeling-bill
Status of GMO labeling internationally (2015): www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos
International protocols on GMOs (2015): www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos/international-protocols.php
Environmental Health Perspectives journal, re: California (2012): ehp.niehs.nih.gov/120-a358/
Science Daily, re: a Malaysian study (2016): www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160401092125.htm
Vermont law H.112 (Act 120):
www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/business/gmo-labels-vermont-law.html?_r=0
Legislative history of Vermont bill, text is linked: legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2014/H.112
Federal bill that did not pass:
www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/business/bill-to-stop-states-requiring-labeling-of-gmo-foods-fails.html
Representative Ro Khanna's Address:
900 Lafayette Street
Suite 206
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Tips for Choosing Good Sources:
1. Who is the author of the page, if there is one? What is their education and professional expertise in the field of biotechnology or other sciences?
2. Check the date on the page. If there isn't one, look in the text of the page for clues (events mentioned, dates on charts, etc).
3. Truncate (shorten) the URL back to the .org, .edu, etc. and go to the home page. Check the "About Us" section. What is their goal? How long have they been around? What is the expertise of the organization and their staff? Are they connected to other respected organizations? How are they funded?
Here are some documents that will help you in writing a formal email to your Representative:
1. "Writing a Formal Email," Menlo College Business School